Multimedia software and database management software recorded on CD-ROM for use in providing information in the field of genomics, diagnostics, pharmacogenomics, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; computer programs for use in database management, integration and manipulation; computer programs for use in characterization of nucleic acid and protein information; computer programs for use in analyzing chemical structure and activity information; computer programs for use in acquisition and interrogation of clinical, pathological, diagnostic, genetic, genomic and biochemical data; computer programs for use in clinical trial design and management; computer programs for use in text and pattern recognition; computer programs for storage, retrieval and analysis of life sciences literature; computer programs for use in managing robot function; computer programs for use in processing toxicological and pharmacological information; computer programs for laboratory instrument control; computer programs for use in control of sample input to mass spectrometers; computer programs for use in spectral analysis; pre-recorded CD-ROMs featuring databases containing life sciences information; pre-configured microprocessors for analysis and storage of life sciences, genomics, diagnostics, pharmacogenomics, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology information